Dessiner le futur avec “Arco”

The Animashow - Episode 4 - Season 5 SUMMARY If a comic book creator took the director’s chair, what world would they build? In this new episode of The Animashow, I had the great pleasure of speaking with Ugo Bienvenu—graphic novelist, illustrator, publisher, and now director of his first animated feature, “Arco”. Widely known for his striking, futuristic comic books like “Préférence Système”, “Total”, and “Premium+”, Ugo brings a bold, auteur vision to everything he touches. With “Arc”o, he steps into long form animation with the same poetic tension, graphic precision, and sharp cultural insight that define his print work. Co-produced by Natalie Portman, “Arco” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and is now in competition at Annecy 2025—a powerful debut that bridges cinema and illustration like never before. Together, we explore: ✏️ How his background in comics informs his approach to animation, pacing, and composition. 🌈 The creative process behind “Arc”o—a unique sci-fi tale grounded in emotion and silence. 📚 Why he sees publishing as a political and aesthetic act. 🧠 His take on artificial intelligence, nostalgia, and the “end of memory” in contemporary society. 🔓 What it means to direct animation when you’re used to total control on the page—and how to let go. 💬 Memorable quotes: “Silence is an editing decision.” “I don't like to do what's expected of me.” “I want to make objects that age well.” “Animation is a place for paradox and poetry.” This episode is for anyone interested in the intersection of graphic novels, cinema, and bold artistic independence. Ugo brings both precision and passion—and doesn’t hold back. To all folks at Annecy, the world capital of animation: breathe in the festival spirit and let animation take you somewhere new! Enjoy the podcast folks! CHAPTERS 00:00 The Power of Imagination and Storytelling 02:21 Exploring Memory and Digital Culture 03:21 The Impact of Overproduction in Culture 07:06 Creating ARCO: A New Horizon 10:59 The Role of Intuition in Creativity 15:50 Artistic Inspirations and Influences 19:20 The Fragility of Ideas 20:33 The Role of Collaboration in Film 22:32 The Freedom of Comic Book Creation 29:36 Building a Creative Studio 34:21 The Future of Animation and Creativity " THE ANIMASHOW " NEWSLETTER 📫 2,000 pros read our free newsletter that breaks down the world of Animation and Entertainment. Sign up ➡︎ www.theanimashow.com ASK US A QUESTION ❔ We answer questions from you in our newsletter. Submit yours here: [email protected] LISTEN TO THE SHOW iTunes: https://apple.co/3OVE0ok Spotify: https://spoti.fi/482VF6g Deezer : https://bit.ly/animashowondeezer GET IN TOUCH NOW 🌍 Our website: www.theanimashow.com 🌍 Work with us: [email protected] JOIN OUR COMMUNITY Instagram ➡︎   / theanimashow   Twitter ➡︎   / theanimashow   TikTok ➡︎   / theanimashow   OUR SPONSORS ➡︎ 22D Music : Since 2006, 22D Music Group is an independent music rights management company with a special focus on music rights of audiovisual industries with worldwide music coverage. Find them on: https://www.22dmusic.com/ ➡︎ Toon Boom : Toon Boom offers award-winning software for 2D animation, storyboarding and production management softwares in film, television, video games, and education. Find them on: https://www.toonboom.com/ OUR MEDIA PARTNER ➡︎ Ecran Total : Everything you need to know about the film and TV production business, from scripts to popcorn. Audiovisual news for professionals! Read Ecran Total news on: https://ecran-total.fr/ PRODUCTION CREW Sound Engineering : Léonard Ourliac Direction of Photography : Maxence Bidault Post Production : Ismaël Otmani